Governance framework

Bylaws & Statutes

These operating statutes describe how IPMA is governed, how members participate, and how the Alliance protects the integrity of its decisions.

The bylaws are read together with the Code of Ethics, accreditation standards, and formal Board resolutions. They establish a predictable process for membership, voting, meetings, financial stewardship, conflicts of interest, and amendment.

Where local law imposes a higher requirement, the Alliance will apply the higher applicable standard.

Dedicated editorial photograph for Bylaws & Statutes

Membership classification and voting

Individual professional members, accredited institutional members, and honorary members are recognised under the Alliance framework. Individual and institutional members in good standing may participate in member consultations; voting rights are limited to the membership class and eligibility conditions stated in the official annual notice.

A member is in good standing when required fees, declarations, and conduct obligations are current and no suspension applies.

Professional members: individual instructors and educators meeting published eligibility requirements.
Institutional members: approved schools, studios, and host centres represented by one authorised voting delegate.
Honorary members: recognised for service to the profession; advisory participation unless voting rights are expressly granted.

Meetings, notice, and quorum

The Board meets at least quarterly, with additional meetings convened when urgent governance, safeguarding, financial, or accreditation matters require attention. The annual member meeting is held once per calendar year with written notice, agenda, and voting instructions distributed in advance.

A quorum is a majority of serving directors for Board business and the threshold set out in the annual notice for a member vote. Minutes record attendance, declarations, resolutions, abstentions, and actions.

Amendment protocol

A bylaw amendment may be proposed by the Board or by an eligible member petition submitted to the Secretary. The proposal must state the purpose, exact text, impact on members, and effective date.

The Board circulates the proposal for review, considers legal and operational advice, and places it before the required voting body. Material amendments are adopted only when the stated supermajority is achieved and are published with a clear version date.